Abstract
Beech bark disease (BBD) is an exotic insect and disease complex that results from the interaction of the exotic beech scale insect, Cryptococcus fagisuga Lind., and at least two species of fungi in the genus Neonectria(Ehrlich 1934, Lohman and Watson 1943, Spaulding and others 1936). Impacted forests suffer high mortality of American beech (Fagus grandifolia), in some cases within a few years of first detection. American beech is an important component of many forests in Wisconsin, in particular along Lake Michigan where tourism is economically important, and in parts of the Menominee Reservation. BBD was first identified in Wisconsin in Door County in 2009, and the extent and severity of the disease in Wisconsin’s forests are currently being evaluated. BBD was first identified in Michigan in 2000 and has spread throughout the range of beech in Michigan, with 100 percent mortality in the most significant areas of infestation. Approximately 18 million American beech (sapling sized and larger) are currently found in Wisconsin, and beech volume is estimated at 37 million cubic feet (USDA Forest Service 2015). Four million acres of forest that contain beech, primarily mixed with maple and birch, are growing on the eastern side of the State. Besides being an important timber species, beech nuts are highly valued by wildlife. Beech may be the only nut producer in some parts of its range.
Parent Publication
Citation
Petrillo, Holly A. 2016. Chapter 9: Current Health Status of American Beech and Distribution of Beech Bark Disease in Wisconsin( Project NC-EM-B-11-01). Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-213. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 6 p.
